How to Freeze Credit in Missouri

There are over 8 million new victims of identity theft each year in the United States. In an attempt to reduce the number of identity theft victims, a prevention tool has been implemented by the three major credit bureaus called a credit freeze, or security freeze. By placing a security freeze on your credit files through all three major reporting agencies, you will reduce your risk of identity theft, as creditors and lenders will not be able to view your credit report or open new credit under your name as long as the freeze is active.

Instructions

1

Place a security freeze on your credit file through each credit reporting agency: Equifax, Experian and Transunion. Equifax and Transunion allow you to file a security freeze online, by mail and over the phone. Experian allows you to file online or by mail only.

2

Include a police report or other proof of identity theft documentation with your credit freeze request, and if accepted, your credit freeze fee will be waived with all three credit bureaus. Otherwise, the fees, as of November 2010, will range from $5 to $10 for each transaction within each credit bureau.

3

Keep your personal identification number or password provided by each of the three bureaus. This PIN or password, along with your personal information, will be required for you to authorize a temporary lift of your security freeze or to permanently remove the freeze.